Conference League | League Stage

Dec 19, 2024 at 8pm UK

Gradski stadion

Backa Topola vs Noah

Match preview

Since a 4-1 league win over Radnicki Nis on the first day of December, Backa Topola have gone four games without a win in domestic and continental competition, most recently losing to Vojvodina on Sunday afternoon when a late Milos Vulic penalty proved a consolation in a 3-1 defeat.

TSC have endured a difficult week in their festive schedule, which began with a drubbing in Belgium at the hands of top eight chasers Gent, who secured maximum points on home soil in round five thanks to goals from Max Dean, Omri Gandelman and Franck Surdez.

Backa Topola, who qualified for European competition in 2023-24 by finishing third in the Serbian Super Liga, are currently on course for their worst domestic campaign in many years, with Jovan Damjanovic's men languishing in ninth place in the 16-team table.

In the Conference League, four points from the first five games of the league phase mean they are 27th going into the final round of matches, with only three points against Noah likely to be enough to secure their place in the play-offs.

Backa Topola's struggles this season have been highlighted by midfielder Ifet Dakovac's six goals, although the 27-year-old has yet to find the back of the net in seven Europa League and Conference League appearances this term.

Founded just seven years ago, Noah have been the fairy tale of the Conference this season, but their maiden adventure on the European stage is in serious danger of ending prematurely after a damaging home defeat on matchday five last Thursday.

The Armenians looked to be on course for a much-needed point when Brazilian star Matheus Aias restored parity against APOEL in Yerevan, but late strikes from Georgi Kostadinov and David Abagna sealed a 3-1 victory for the travelling Cypriots.

Five games into their maiden continental conquest, Noah currently sit a lowly 31st in the Conference League standings ahead of the final match of the revamped league phase, meaning they must take three points at the TSC Arena to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages.

After five consecutive home games in all competitions, the Armenian minnows will be back on the road for the first time since a trip to title rivals Pyunik on 24 November, when a brace from Pablo and a goal from Bryan Mendoza sealed a 3-1 victory in the top flight.

However, Noah's travels in Europe have been more difficult, with Rui Mota's men having lost back-to-back away games in the Conference, including an eight-goal thrashing at the intimidating home of Premier League giants Chelsea.

Recent Performance

Backa Topola Conference League form:LLWDL

Backa Topola form (all competitions):DWLDLL

FC Noah Conference League form:WLLDL

FC Noah form (all competitions):WDWWLW

Team News

Despite conceding three goals at Gent last week, Backa Topola is likely to stick with a centre-back pairing of Dusan Stevanovic and Mateja Djordjevic.

There will be changes at the top of the pitch after TSC were held to a blank sheet in Belgium in round five, with the places of Mihajlo Banjac and Aleksandar Cirkovic under threat.

On loan from Italian giants AC Milan, Marko Lazetic is an intriguing option who could start for the hosts on Thursday night.

Goncalo Gregorio, who scored four goals in Sunday's 7-1 thrashing of West Armenia, should be in Noah's side from the outset after coming off the bench against APOEL last Thursday.

Aias is likely to retain his place after scoring in the fifth round, so Eraldo Cinari and Helder may have to settle for a place as substitutes.

Possible starting lineup

Backa Topola possible starting lineup:

Ilic; Jovanovic, Djordjevic, Stevanovic, Petrovic; Radin, Mboungou, Dakovac, Sos, Cirkovic; Pantovic

FC Noah possible starting lineup:

Ploshchadnyi; Mendoza, Muradyan, Silva, Miljkovic; Dashyan, Omar, Sangare; Gregorio, Helder, Aias